Football season brings excitement for both kids and teens. Watching the big game is even more fun with tasty snacks to munch on.
These 15 football snack ideas are perfect for young fans to enjoy while cheering on their favorite team.
From easy-to-make finger foods to creative game-themed treats, there’s something for every young appetite. The snacks are simple enough for kids to help prepare and yummy enough to keep teens coming back for more.
1) Mini Burger Sliders
Mini burger sliders are a hit with kids and teens at football parties. These small sandwiches are easy to eat and fun to customize.
To make sliders, use small dinner rolls or slider buns. Grill or pan-fry mini beef patties until cooked through. Add a slice of cheese if desired.
Offer a variety of toppings so everyone can build their perfect slider. Popular choices include lettuce, tomato, pickles, and onions.
Set out different sauces like ketchup, mustard, and mayo. For a special touch, mix up a tasty BBQ sauce to drizzle on top.
Sliders are great for little hands. Their small size means kids can easily hold and eat them without making a mess.
Try using turkey or veggie patties as alternatives to beef. This gives more options for different tastes and dietary needs.
Serve sliders on a platter with toothpicks to hold them together. This makes them easy to grab and keeps toppings in place.
2) Cheesy Nacho Cups
Cheesy nacho cups are a fun twist on traditional nachos that kids and teens love. They’re easy to make and perfect for game day snacking.
Start by pressing tortilla rounds into a muffin tin to create small cups. Bake them until crispy, then fill with seasoned ground beef or beans.
Top the cups with shredded cheese and pop them back in the oven until melted. Add classic nacho toppings like diced tomatoes, sour cream, and guacamole.
These handheld snacks are less messy than regular nachos. Kids can customize their own cups with their favorite toppings.
For a healthier version, use whole wheat tortillas and lean ground turkey. Vegetarian options work well too – try black beans or lentils instead of meat.
Cheesy nacho cups are great for parties. Make a big batch ahead of time and reheat when guests arrive. They’re sure to be a hit with football fans of all ages.
3) Fruit and Cheese Skewers
Fruit and cheese skewers are a fun and tasty snack for young football players. They combine sweet fruits with savory cheese cubes on small wooden skewers or toothpicks.
Popular fruit options include grapes, strawberries, melon chunks, and mandarin orange segments. For cheese, try mild cheddar, mozzarella, or Colby Jack cut into small cubes.
These skewers offer a good balance of carbohydrates from fruit and protein from cheese. This combo helps give kids energy for the game while keeping them full.
Parents can prepare fruit and cheese skewers ahead of time and store them in sealed containers. This makes them easy to transport and hand out at practices or games.
Kids enjoy the interactive nature of eating food on sticks. The colorful presentation also makes fruit and cheese more appealing to picky eaters.
For variety, try adding other items like cherry tomatoes or cucumber slices. Just be sure to keep the pieces small enough for easy eating.
4) Veggie Pinwheels
Veggie pinwheels are a fun and healthy snack for young football players. These colorful roll-ups are easy to make and packed with nutrients to keep kids energized during the game.
To create veggie pinwheels, start with a large tortilla or wrap. Spread a layer of cream cheese or hummus as the base. This helps hold the veggies in place and adds flavor.
Next, add a variety of chopped vegetables. Popular choices include cucumber, carrots, spinach, and bell peppers. These veggies provide vitamins and minerals essential for active kids.
Roll the wrap tightly and slice it into bite-sized pieces. Each wrap typically makes about six pinwheels. Secure them with toothpicks if needed for easier handling.
For added protein, sprinkle some hemp hearts or add a slice of turkey or ham before rolling. This gives growing athletes an extra boost of energy.
Veggie pinwheels can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. This makes them a convenient option for busy game days.
These snacks are not only nutritious but also visually appealing. The bright colors of the vegetables make them attractive to kids and encourage healthy eating habits.
5) Chicken Tenders
Chicken tenders are a crowd-pleasing snack for kids and teens during football games. These crispy strips of white meat chicken are easy to eat and pack a protein punch.
Many young fans enjoy dipping their chicken tenders in various sauces. Popular options include barbecue sauce, honey mustard, and ranch dressing.
For a healthier twist, baked chicken tenders can be just as tasty as their fried counterparts. Coating them in breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes gives them a satisfying crunch.
Chicken tenders can be prepared ahead of time and reheated before the game starts. This makes them a convenient option for busy parents and hosts.
Serve chicken tenders alongside some veggie sticks or a small side salad to balance out the meal. This combo provides a good mix of protein and nutrients to keep young fans energized throughout the game.
6) Pizza Bagels
Pizza bagels are a fun and tasty snack that kids and teens love. They’re quick to make and can be ready in about 15 minutes.
To make pizza bagels, start with plain bagels sliced in half. Spread some pizza sauce on each bagel half. Then add shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce.
Kids can customize their pizza bagels with their favorite toppings. Popular choices include pepperoni, ham, veggies, or extra cheese.
Pop the prepared bagels in the oven or toaster oven until the cheese melts and gets bubbly. The bagels should be crispy around the edges.
Pizza bagels are great for after-school snacks or casual get-togethers. They’re easy enough for kids to make themselves with some adult supervision.
These mini pizzas are portable, so they work well for taking to sports practices or games. They’re filling and provide energy for active kids and teens.
7) Mini Tacos
Mini tacos are a hit with kids and teens at football games. These bite-sized treats pack big flavor in a small package. They’re easy to eat and don’t make a mess.
To make mini tacos, use small tortillas or cut larger ones into circles. Fill them with seasoned ground beef, chicken, or beans. Add cheese, lettuce, and diced tomatoes for extra taste and nutrition.
Set up a taco bar so kids can build their own. This lets them choose their favorite toppings. Include mild salsa and sour cream as options.
For a healthier twist, use whole wheat tortillas and lean meats. You can also make vegetarian versions with black beans or lentils.
Mini tacos are great for sharing. They’re perfect for halftime snacks or post-game celebrations. Kids love the fun size, and parents appreciate the portion control.
8) Stuffed Potato Skins
Stuffed potato skins are a classic football snack that kids and teens love. They’re easy to make and can be customized with various toppings.
To start, bake potatoes until they’re soft. Cut them in half and scoop out most of the inside, leaving a thin layer of potato.
Brush the skins with melted butter and bake them again until crispy. This step makes the skins extra tasty.
For the filling, mix the scooped-out potato with cheese, bacon bits, and green onions. Spoon this mixture back into the crispy skins.
Top with more cheese and bake until melted. Serve with sour cream on the side for dipping.
For a fun twist, kids can use sour cream to draw football laces on top of each potato skin. This adds a playful touch to the snack.
Vegetarian options are easy too. Try filling the skins with mushrooms, broccoli, or bell peppers instead of bacon.
These stuffed potato skins are filling and fun to eat. They’re perfect for keeping hungry kids and teens satisfied during the big game.
9) Peanut Butter Apple Slices
Peanut butter apple slices make a tasty and nutritious snack for young football players. This simple treat combines the crunch of fresh apples with creamy peanut butter.
To prepare, cut apples into thin slices, about 1/4 inch thick. Spread a layer of peanut butter on each slice. For extra fun, kids can add toppings like raisins, granola, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
This snack provides a good mix of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats. The natural sugars in apples give a quick energy boost, while peanut butter offers sustained energy.
Peanut butter apple slices are easy to make ahead and pack for game day. They travel well and don’t need refrigeration for a few hours. This makes them ideal for busy parents and hungry athletes on the go.
For variety, try different types of nut butters like almond or cashew. Sunflower seed butter is a good option for those with nut allergies.
10) Popcorn Mix
Popcorn mix is a fun and easy snack for football games. It combines popcorn with other tasty treats to create a flavorful blend.
Start with plain popped popcorn as the base. Add in small pretzels, nuts, or dried fruit for extra crunch and sweetness. M&Ms or chocolate chips can provide a touch of indulgence.
For a savory twist, sprinkle on some cheese powder or seasoned salt. Kids often enjoy mixing in their favorite cereals or crackers too.
Prepare the mix in large batches and divide into individual bags. This makes it simple to hand out to the team or spectators.
Popcorn mix is customizable to suit different tastes. It’s also a lighter option compared to many other snacks. The variety of textures and flavors keeps it interesting for kids and teens.
This snack is portable and easy to eat during games or practices. It provides a good energy boost without being too heavy.
11) Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chocolate chip cookies are a classic snack that kids and teens love. They’re perfect for football games and parties. The warm, gooey chocolate and sweet cookie base make them irresistible.
These cookies are easy to make at home. You can bake a big batch before the game. Store-bought ones work too if you’re short on time.
Chocolate chip cookies pair well with cold milk. They’re great for halftime snacks or postgame treats. Kids can grab them quickly between plays.
For a fun twist, try making football-shaped cookies. Use chocolate chips to draw laces on top. This adds a festive touch to the snack table.
Consider offering different varieties. Mix in nuts, use white chocolate chips, or add M&Ms for color. This gives kids more choices to suit their tastes.
Chocolate chip cookies are filling and provide energy. They’re a tasty way to keep young football fans fueled throughout the game.
12) Hummus and Veggie Cups
Hummus and veggie cups are a tasty and healthy snack for young football fans. These cups combine protein-rich hummus with colorful, crunchy vegetables.
To make them, fill small cups with a scoop of hummus. Add cut-up veggies like carrots, celery, and bell peppers on top or around the sides.
Kids can easily grab a cup and munch on it during the game. The veggies provide vitamins and fiber, while the hummus offers protein and healthy fats.
This snack is simple to prepare ahead of time. Parents can make a batch of cups before the game starts. They’re also mess-free, which is great for busy sidelines.
For picky eaters, try different hummus flavors like roasted red pepper or garlic. This might encourage them to try more vegetables.
Hummus and veggie cups are a good choice for teams with dietary restrictions. They’re usually gluten-free and can be made nut-free too.
13) Turkey and Cheese Roll-Ups
Turkey and cheese roll-ups are a tasty snack for football games. They’re easy to make and fun to eat. Kids and teens love them.
To make these roll-ups, start with a tortilla. Spread cream cheese on it. Add a layer of sliced turkey and cheese.
You can add extras like lettuce or tomatoes. Roll the tortilla up tightly. Cut it into smaller pieces.
These roll-ups are great for parties. They’re portable and mess-free. You can make them ahead of time and keep them in the fridge.
Try different cheeses for variety. Cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack work well. You can also use different meats like ham or roast beef.
For a zesty twist, add taco seasoning to the cream cheese. This gives the roll-ups extra flavor. Sun-dried tomatoes are another tasty addition.
These roll-ups are filling and nutritious. They provide protein from the turkey and cheese. The tortilla adds carbs for energy during the game.
14) Grilled Cheese Bites
Grilled cheese bites are a fun twist on the classic sandwich that kids and teens love. They’re small, easy to eat, and perfect for game day snacking.
To make these tasty morsels, start with crescent roll dough. Cut it into small squares and place a piece of cheese on every other square.
Next, fold the squares without cheese over the ones with cheese. Press the edges to seal them shut.
Dip each bite in melted butter, then roll it in bread crumbs for extra crunch. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake the grilled cheese bites in a 400-degree oven until they’re golden brown and the cheese is melted. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
These snacks are great for kids to help make. They can assist with cutting the dough, adding cheese, and rolling the bites in bread crumbs.
Serve the grilled cheese bites warm with marinara sauce for dipping. They’re sure to be a hit at any football gathering.
15) Mini Meatball Subs
Mini meatball subs are a hit with kids and teens at football games. These small sandwiches pack a tasty punch and are easy to eat.
To make them, start with small rolls or slider buns. Cut them in half and lightly toast them for extra crunch.
Add some pre-cooked mini meatballs to each bun. You can use store-bought frozen meatballs or make your own ahead of time.
Top the meatballs with marinara sauce. Be careful not to add too much, or the buns might get soggy.
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Put the subs under the broiler for a minute to melt the cheese.
These mini subs are portable and mess-free. Kids can hold them in one hand while cheering with the other.
For a healthier twist, try using turkey meatballs instead of beef. You can also add some veggies like spinach or bell peppers to the sauce.
Mini meatball subs are filling and give young athletes energy for the game. They’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any football event.
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